Abstract:
Apparatus (10) is defined for regulating the level of liquid on a first side of a barrier (12) with respect to a moveable level of liquid on a second side of the barrier. The apparatus includes an inlet conduit (30) for positioning on the second side of the barrier and having an inlet (38) that is arranged for moving up and down with the liquid level, and an outlet conduit (16) for positioning on the first side of the barrier (12) and in liquid communication with the inlet conduit (30) across the barrier. The outlet conduit has an outlet (22) that can be located at a predetermined liquid level at the first side.
Abstract:
A process for raising or lowering ships from one elevation to another within a locks chambers and simultaneously recycling the water using a hydraulic storage tank. The hydraulic storage tank is located adjacent to the locks chambers and below the minimum level that the ship is to be lowered to within the locks structures. The hydraulically pressurized water storage tank system fills the locks chambers and raises the ship. The ship is lowered in the locks chambers by water flowing by gravity back into the empty water storage tank. The water flow is directed by an energy system that applies hydraulic power, compressed air or any other device that is capable of moving a stainless steel plate or similar device inside the storage tank. The energy system directs the flow of water from the storage tank to the locks chamber to raise the water level. The empty hydraulic storage tank will then receive the flow of water from the locks chamber by gravity when a ship is lowered. The water-saving ship-lift system represented in this invention is beneficial because it achieves the vertical movement of vessels within a canal lock chamber in a safe and efficient manner while, at the same time, recycling precious fresh water for use over and over again with little or no waste.
Abstract:
An Herodotus machine, or bottom-source, up-stair, hybrid pump and step lock system, includes synchronized reciprocating cross-gate displacers with commonly synchronized gates and floating body movers; specifically including a sequence of ascending adjacent step locks separated by gates with reciprocating gears on axles aligned over respective gates. A chain over each reciprocating gear has a displacer on each end, with one displacer in the upper lock and the other displacer in the lower lock. Rotating first, the downstream displacer descends to raise the lower lock water level, while the upstream displacer rises to lower the upper lock water level, and vice versa on the reverse gear rotation. Displacers are sized such that water levels in alternate pairs of upper lock and lower lock are made the same. The gate is then opened and a watercraft can be transferred from the lower lock to the upper lock or vice versa.
Abstract:
A system for recirculating lock water includes a sealable storage area located near a lock for receiving water from the lock. The storage area is large enough to house the lock water with excess space between a maximum water level and the ceiling. The system also includes at least one compressor connected to the storage area to create a vacuum to withdraw the water from the lock into the storage area.
Abstract:
A watercraft transport lock includes a walled structure that can be filled and emptied of water received from two separate bodies of water for the purpose of transporting a boat or other watercraft between the two bodies of water. The system prevents the water of one body from mixing with the water of the other body. This is accomplished by removing the water of the first body of water from within the structure prior to filling the structure with the water from the other body. A boat support may be used to support the boat during the emptying and filling processes.
Abstract:
A system for lifting ships from one waterway to another waterway. A convex basin is constructed between the waterways and slidably receives a pair of inter-connected chambers movable transverse to the direction of the waterway.